Water Resources Agency

Mission

The Water Resources Agency manages, protects, stores and conserves water resources in Monterey County for beneficial and environmental use, while minimizing damage from flooding to create a safe and sustainable water supply for present and future generations.

Vision

To become a recognized and respected leader in the community we serve through demonstrated knowledge, integrity and the quality of our actions.

Overview

The Agency was formed in 1947 by State law, which established the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and was organized as a division of the Department of Public Works. In the late 50s, the Monterey County Flood Control and Water Conservation District became autonomous with the district Engineer reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors. In January of 1991, new legislation (SB 2580) changed the name of the Agency to the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to more accurately reflect its powers and functions. In addition to the Agency's responsibility for flood plain management and emergency flood-related preparedness, the Agency has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to water within the entire area of the County of Monterey, including both incorporated and unincorporated areas. The Agency is authorized to conserve water in any manner, to buy, sell and purvey water, to prevent the waste or diminution of the water extractions which are determined to be harmful to the groundwater basin.

The Agency owns two dams (Nacimiento and San Antonio) that are integral parts of the Agency's mission to provide flood control services and maintain water resources for the County of Monterey.

Salinas River Management Program and the LTMP

The purpose of the Salinas River LTMP is to describe a multi-benefit management program that addresses needs related to MCWRA facilities and operations, as well as related issues such as flood risk reduction..... MORE

California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM)

The California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) program is a voluntary program coordinated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) wherein local monitoring.... MORE

Nacimiento-San Antonio
Interlake Tunnel

Diverts water from Nacimiento Reservoir to San Antonio Reservoir which would otherwise been spilled at Nacimiento Dam. The Nacimiento river basin produces nearly three times the average annual....MORE